Until recently, the <a href="http://www.lariver.org/" target="_blank">LA River</a> has largely been a concrete canal that is virtually inaccessible to most residents. But a giant <a href="http://www.lariver.org/download_publications.htm" target="_blank">master plan completed in 2007</a> is now guiding efforts to restore the river and turn it into one of the longest recreational zones in the US. A section of the newly redeveloped river has opened to the public with recreational trails—and it will be open to boating this summer. Phase I of the <a href="http://www.kcet.org/socal/departures/lariver/confluence/river-notes/phase-one-of-glendale-narrows-riverwalk-opens.html" target="_blank">Glendale Narrows Riverwalk is now operational</a>, and more sections are expected soon.

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Restoration Plans for LA River

The LA River begins in the San Fernando Valley and moves east and then south through LA county. Flooding

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Restoration Plans for LA River

Flooding in the early part of the 19th century led to the river being walled up in a concrete canal to protect residents and property.

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Restoration Plans for LA River

The revitalization is a large scale effort involving many state and local groups as well as non-profits to convert the river back to a more natural state while still maintaining flood control.

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Restoration Plans for LA River

A series of dams, lakes and flood protection strategies will ensure that no property is damaged, while improving access for residents and creating a variety of recreational opportunities like boating, kayaking, hiking, biking, horse riding and more public open space.

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Restoration Plans for LA River

There are also many benefits of converting the river back to a natural state to create new animal habitats, improve water and air quality and decrease urban heat island effect.

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Restoration Plans for LA River

There are over <a href="http://www.kcet.org/socal/departures/lariver/confluence/river-notes/1909-la-river-revitalization-plans.html" target="_blank">240 projects proposed</a> along a 32 mile stretch.

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Restoration Plans for LA River

The master plan created by <a href="http://mlagreen.com/projects/la-river#" target="_blank">Mia Lehrer + Associates</a> is guiding many of the projects and overall vision.

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Restoration Plans for LA River

Already miles of biking and walking trails have been created and now a new park is open to the public.

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Restoration Plans for LA River

The <a href="http://www.ci.glendale.ca.us/parks/GlendaleNarrowsRiverwalk.aspx" target="_blank">Glendale Narrows Riverwalk</a>, a 4.6 mile portion between Griffith Park and Elysian Park, opened to the public in December.

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Restoration Plans for LA River

Phase I completed two small parks, an equestrian facility, public art, and a half-mile of recreational trail. Next up in Phase II and III will be to expand the trails and create a new bridge connecting the Riverwalk to Griffith Park.

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Restoration Plans for LA River

Until recently, the LA River has largely been a concrete canal that is virtually inaccessible to most residents. But a giant master plan completed in 2007 is now guiding efforts to restore the river and turn it into one of the longest recreational zones in the US. A section of the newly redeveloped river has opened to the public with recreational trails—and it will be open to boating this summer. Phase I of the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk is now operational, and more sections are expected soon.